The Sociolinguistic Situation in Spain: The Protection of Language and Nation

Abstract

This article analyses the influence of the processes of globalization and regionalism on the sociolinguistic situation of minority languages that obtain a special value as the sole and main depositories of the national culture. As national minorities begin to claim their linguistic rights, the international community addresses the problem at all levels: the EU level, national and regional. The article examines the linguistic situation in Spain, which preserves and promotes regional and minority languages better than almost any other European country, and that in Catalonia, where the most intense focus of linguistic tension in the EU is currently observed. Our analysis of the current state of co-official and minority languages in Spain shows that the struggle for these languages has been won. The country's linguistic policy has been fruitful, but, at the same time, it has produced a series of dangerous consequences for the stability and integrity of the Spanish state itself. Now Spain must undertake the difficult task of preserving itself. The progressive weakening of the strong ties that previously held the Spanish state together, the erosion of the concept of the sovereign national state, and the delegation of the leading public powers to a supranational structure have given a solid boost for nationalism and reactivated the Catalan independence movement. Therefore, today the State language policy, which is of special importance, must be highly balanced and guided by established long-term national interests.